New Zealand North Island vs South Island

This is without a doubt, the most common question I get asked about New Zealand

“Which is best; New Zealand North Island vs South Island?”

And it’s not really an easy question to answer as they are actually both really different. If I’m really pushed about my personal favourite, I’d probably edge towards the South Island as the photography locations were out of this world!

That said, I absolutely loved my time on the North Island too and I’d go back to either island in a heartbeat.

But since many visitors only have a few weeks of annual leave to explore in, often they have to make the tricky decision if to visit New Zealand’s North Island or South Island. I’m here to make that decision a little easier!

Today we’re going to compare both islands to help you decide which is the best island for you to visit to have the most incredible holiday!

New Zealand North Island vs South Island

We’ll be looking at different aspects of travel in New Zealand to help you make up your mind. Topics we’ll be covering…

The weather

The landscapes

The cities

The activities

The food and drink

Getting about

Culture

Geothermal activity

Hikes

Beaches

Wildlife

New Zealand North Island or South Island For Weather?

The North island enjoys subtropical summers and mild temperatures in the winter. The South Island is colder by comparison reaching minus figures regularly throughout winter.

Even if you travel the South Island in summer, you will need to pack plenty of layers as the weather is much more unpredictable.

In general, the west coast of the South Island has the most unpredicatble weather with the highest rainfall. The east coast is sheltered by the mountain range which runs the length of the country and therefore enjoys less rain and more sunshine.

If it’s snow you’re after then you are much more likely to find this is the South Island. You may even see snow on the highest mountains in the Summer.

So which wins North Island vs South Island for weather?

The North! (Unless you’re after snow…)

New Zealand North Island vs South Island For Landscapes

The landscapes are very different with the South Island offering rugged snow-capped mountains, gushing waterfalls, majestic fjords and glacial lakes with the brightest turquoise water, framed by colourful lupins.

The landscapes in the North Island are more pretty than dramatic. With the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel peninsula offering secluded coves, beautiful sandy beaches and rainforests. There are of course mountains but they are not as rugged or dramatic as those in the South, One exception is the Tongariro National Park which should be must-see if you visit the North.

So which wins, the North island or South island for landscapes?

The South Island (but both are VERY pretty.)

New Zealand North Island or South Island for Cities?

Whilst New Zealand does have some great cities, I’m not convinced it would be the main reason for anyone travelling to New Zealand. But that said, if you are more of a city-person than a country bumpkin then there is probably a clear runner here.

The North Island is more populated than the South so here are where you’ll find the biggest cities, Auckland and Wellington.

Christchurch in the South was unfortunately devastated by an earthquake in 2011. The process of rebuilding the city is still underway. It is however a good base for exploring the east coast and the lakes region.

Queenstown in the south is more of a town than a city but was my favourite urban place in New Zealand. It has an alpine resort feel to it even in the summer.

So which wins, the north or south island for cities?

A clear winner – The North!

New Zealand North island vs South Island for Activities?

If it’s adventure and adrenalin fueled activities you’re after then the South Island probably wins. That said, there’s plenty of opportunities to throw yourself out of a plane or dangle yourself over a river by rope on either island!

But the South Island is the king of adventure sports with skiing, mountain biking, sky diving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, kayaking and more on offer. Queenstown in the South offers the highest bungy jump at 134 metres (rather you than me…)

But there are plenty of more tame activities on both islands if you are a wimp like me!

New Zealand North Island vs South Island for Food and Drink

You’ll find lots of delicious food across both islands. New Zealand has so many sheep you will be sure to eat lots of lamb and mutton for dinner. In the coastal regions, there will be lots of sea food on offer.

But where the South Island really stands out is for it’s wineries. The Marlborough region is one of the most popular wine regions in the world and if you enjoy your Sauvignon Blanc, you simply must take a wine tour here!

So which wins, North or South island for food and drink?

The South (for the wine!)

New Zealand North Island or South Island for Getting About?

Mostly the main roads on both islands are in good condition however due to the high mountain ranges in the South Island, The North Island is easier to get about.

Sometimes in the South, You may only be a few miles from your destination but you have to take the long route avoiding the mountain ranges which can take a few extra hours! That said, you can be sure your journey will be scenic..!

I would encourage anyone to hire a campervan when you travel either island. It offers so much flexibility and there’s something lovely about being able to pull up anywhere with a view to have a picnic!

So which wins, the north or south island for accesibility?

The North!

New Zealand North Island vs South Island for Maori culture

The best way to learn about Maori culture is to visit a Maori living village. There are plenty of these in the North island with Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Maori village being the most well known.

There is only once Maori village cultural centre on the South Island atKo Tane near Christchurch. Here you can sample tradition hangi food and see cultural performances similar to those at Whakarewarewa.

Which wins, the North or South island for Maori culture?

The North!

New Zealands North Island or South Island for Geothermal Activity?

If it’s geothermal activity you’re interested in then you’ll find more of this in the North Island. Here you can learn about geology at the Geothermal parks such as Wai-O-Tapu where you can wander around bright coloured lakes and bubbling pools of mud and even see geysers erupt.

For hot spring spas, you will find these on both islands. They are particularly nice for relaxing sore muscles after all the long hikes, bike and kayak trips you’ll no doubt want to try in New Zealand.

Which wins, the North or South Island for geothermal activity?

The North without a doubt.

New Zealand North Island vs South Island for Hiking

There are amazing hiking trails in every corner of New Zealand, you won’t be short of some great walking trails. However, there are 10 trails that stand out that have been named as the ‘Great Walks of New Zealand.’ Many of these treks run over several days though you can often access part of them for a day trek if you do not have enough time.

3 of these great walks are in the North Island and 6 in the South. The additional great walk is found on Stewart Island just below the South Island.

New Zealand North Island vs South Island for Beaches

New Zealand has many beautiful beaches. The beaches in the North and South are quite different. In the south you’ll find more long sweeping beaches with huge waves and wild weather. In the north you’ll find more quiet coves and subtropical beaches. However, you’ll also find similar pristine beaches and coves in the Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island

Which wins, the north or south island for beaches?

It’s a close call but the North probably wins out because of The Bay of Islands

New Zealand’s North Island vs South Island for Wildlife

There are a multitude of opportunities to find wildlife in New Zealand.